Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't...

Summary: A morning surprise can leave quite an impression... A gift fic for WillowDryad.

A/N: This two-shot is a gift fic for WillowDryad and is a companion piece to her story The Ciaramella wherein an incident revolving around one of Edmund's pranks on Peter is mentioned and is set a few weeks after By His Faith. If you have not read her stories, you should go read them as soon as you finish here. This story is not part of the ALitD canon. Enjoy!

A Morning Surprise

The Epilogue

A knock at the door intruded on Edmund's attempt to concentrate on news brought by his spies concerning giantish mischief to the north. He looked up with a growling hiss, "What is it?"

The door opened and Peter stuck his head in. Edmund frowned. He had thought his big brother had retired already and Peter's sleep-mussed appearance certainly supported that conclusion. "What is it, Pete?"

Peter stepped inside, hiding a yawn behind his fist, before he blearily blinked at him. "Sorry, Ed, I forgot to tell you earlier that Oreius is expecting us to start training at fourth hour in the morning."

Edmund closed his eyes and groaned, "Peter, it's a little past second hour now!"

He felt Peter pat him sympathetically on the shoulder. "I know, sorry, Eddie. But, if you get there early, maybe Oreius won't throw in a visit to the points of the compass as well."

Edmund just sighed. How was he supposed to be well-rested enough to be fully alert (a requirement during Oreius' training sessions) in less than two hours? "Good night, Peter."

Peter yawned then shuffled back toward the door, calling over his shoulder, "G'night, Ed. Try to get some rest."

As the door closed behind him, Edmund snorted, "Right." Shaking his head, he turned back to the reports. If he had to go down to the training yard in under two hours, he might as well finish this work instead of risking oversleeping.

An hour and a half later, Edmund was rushing down the path to the training yard, attempting to buckle his sword without tripping over anything or anyone whenever he crossed through the unlit patches. Entering the courtyard, he allowed himself a slight smirk to see he'd even beaten Peter and Oreius. At least this way, if anyone were sentenced to visit the points of the compass for being late, it would be his brother. He paced around the courtyard, waiting for the Centaur General to arrive, and then, as fourth hour came, he began practicing the basic forms. Sweat beaded his brow in spite of the still cold temperatures and a welcome, familiar burning settled in his muscles as he stretched them with every move. Every move came smoothly, flowing seamlessly from defensive to offensive to a block.

He didn't break his concentration or his form until he finally heard the distinctive ring of horseshoes on stone. Lowering his sword, Edmund swiped his brow then bowed slightly, student to teacher, before he smirked slightly. "Oreius, I think you are late this time. As is my brother."

The Centaur surveyed him then commented in the most blasé of tones, "Actually, Sir How, I believe you are early. Training is not scheduled until half past sixth hour."

Edmund's jaw dropped. Peter…Peter had tricked him! "But, Peter said…" He trailed off as Oreius raised an eyebrow, then he smiled hopefully. "Well, my apologies if my misinformation disturbed your plans for this morning. I'll just return at the proper time for training."

The Centaur raised his hand, already shaking his head. "No need, Sir How. Since you have shown such initiative as to arrive two hours early, I must meet that initiative with my own. I believe you should begin with a visit to the points of the compass. Now."

Edmund almost groaned aloud but started running for the first tower. At least, he would have time to think of some way to get Peter back. And, privately, he acknowledged that Peter had actually been quite clever this time. Not that he would ever admit it where it might get back to his great lummox of a brother. Starting up the tower stairs, he also promised himself that he would double-check whatever Peter told him in regards to training (most especially the times) from now on.

A/N: Please Read and Review! Well, Peter achieved his revenge. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one.

ATTENTION!

Attention anyone who is a member of the Narnia Still Lives forum! The nominations for the Narnia Still Lives Fanfic Awards 2013 are underway. Please nominate those stories and authors who stood out with their writing in 2013 and should win one of the awards. Nominations close March 1st. And remember anyone can join the forum, only an introduction is required, and then make your nominations.

Full details can be found at the Narnia Still Lives Forum (the top forum when one clicks on The Chronicles of Narnia forums) under Honoring the Heroes: Nominating for the 2013 Fanfic Awards thread.

Lady Alambiel

Awards Coordinator